Health Care Directive
Minnesota law allows you to inform others of your health care wishes. You have the right to state your wishes or appoint an agent in writing so that others will know what you want if you can’t tell them because of illness or injury.
What is a health care directive?
A health care directive is a written document that informs others of your wishes about your health care. It allows you to name a person (“agent”) to make decisions for you if you are unable or unwilling to do so. You must be at least 18 years old to make a health care directive.
Why have a health care directive?
Putting your wishes in writing is the best way to help make sure your wishes will be known and followed by family, friends, health care providers and others.
Health care directive workshops
District One Hospital and Faribault Area Hospice provide free community education workshops to assist you in creating a health care directive. Contact the Hospice office at 334-6451 for class information and registration.
Resources are available to assist
If you want more information contact District One Hospital Social Services at 507-332-4890. You may also contact your health care provider, your attorney or the Minnesota Board of Aging’s Senior Linkage Line at 800-333-2433.
Click the link below to learn more about Minnesota’s health care directive and how to create one.
